The New Orleans Saints underwent significant roster changes following the 2024 season, with several key players departing. Two notable departures include wide receiver Michael Thomas and safety Marcus Maye.
Michael Thomas, once a cornerstone of the Saints’ receiving corps, was released on March 13, 2024. His tenure with the team was marked by exceptional performances, including a record-breaking 2019 season with 149 receptions for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. However, injuries, particularly to his ankle and foot, limited his availability in recent seasons. In 2023, Thomas appeared in ten games, recording 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown. His departure signifies the end of an era for the Saints’ offense.
Safety Marcus Maye was released by the Saints on February 29, 2024. Signed in 2022 to a three-year, $28.5 million contract, Maye’s tenure was marred by injuries and a suspension in 2023 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. In the 2023 season, he appeared in seven games, recording 37 total tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and two passes defended. His inconsistent performance and off-field issues led to his release, impacting the Saints’ defensive backfield.
The departures of Thomas and Maye have left significant voids in both the receiving corps and the secondary. The Saints will need to address these gaps through the draft and free agency to maintain competitiveness in the NFC South.
In contrast, two players whose departures are less impactful include defensive end Niko Lalos and guard Kyle Hergel.
Defensive end Niko Lalos was waived by the Saints on November 5, 2024. Lalos spent time on the practice squad but did not make a significant impact on the active roster. His departure is unlikely to affect the team’s defensive line depth.
Guard Kyle Hergel was signed to the Saints’ practice squad on November 5, 2024, and released on December 28, 2024. Hergel’s brief tenure with the team and limited exposure to the active roster suggest that his departure will not have a substantial effect on the offensive line’s performance.
While the departures of Thomas and Maye are significant, the exits of Lalos and Hergel are less impactful, given their limited roles and contributions during the 2024 season.
Leave a Reply